From the Heart to the Heavens
A hymn festival service plan with tips and citations for finding and producing each song.
Theme of the Service
Gathering Song: "Gather Us In" SNC 8
Choir only on St. 3
Call to Worship
Prayer of Invocation: "Gracious Spirit" SNC 166
St. 1-2 all in harmony
St. 3 sopranos on melody; others humming in harmony
St. 4 tenor I and baritones on melody; others humming in harmony
Repeat refrain each time; English, then Swahili
Song of Invitation: "Listen, God Is Calling" SNC 65
Please sing as directed.
Worshiping from the Heart
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" PsH 486
St 1 all in harmony St. 2choir in unison St. 3 all in unison
"Take, O Take Me As I Am" SNC 215
Worshiping in the Congregation
Scripture:Colossians 3:12-17
"God Is Here" ABBOT'S LEIGH
"We Are Members of Christ's Body" JULION
St. 1 all in unison, St. 2 choir, St. 3 all in unison
Worshiping with Christians of All Times
Scripture: from Hebrews 11:4-28
"This Holy Covenant Was Made" SNC 173
St. 1 women; all in harmony on the alleluias
St. 2 men, all in harmony on the alleluias
St. 3 all
Scripture: from Hebrews 11:29-39
"For All the Saints Who Showed Your Love" SNC 195
St. 1-2 all in harmony
St. 3 choir only
St. 4 all in unison
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2
"Holy God, We Praise Your Name" PsH 504
Stand as directed; join choir on third line of st. 3; st. 4 in unison
Worshiping with Christians of All Places
Scripture: Psalm 87:1-4; 5-7
Hymn Anthem: "O God, We Kneel Before Your Throne" KNOLLCREST FARM
"Somos uno en Cristo" / "We Are One in Christ Jesus" SNC 179
Sung first in Spanish, then in English, followed immediately by
"Cantad al Señor" / "O Sing to the Lord" SNC 224
Worshiping with the Heavenly Hosts
Scripture: from Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4-5, 19
"You Are Holy" SNC 20
Prayer
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" HYFRYDOL
St. 1 women in unison, St. 2 men in unison, St. 3 all in harmony, St. 4 all in unison
Postlude: Improvisation on HYFRYDOL, John Schwandt
SNC refers to Sing! A New Creation (CRC Publications, 2001)PsH refers to Psalter Hymnal (CRC Publications, 1987)